Reasonable code manifesto

Accountable code, written with purpose.

The most reasonable code is the one we don't create.

1. Aim for mental benefit

• Avoid patterns that extract attention, personal data, or money through coercion or addiction.
• Choose features and designs that respect dignity, autonomy, and mental health.
• Use your power as a developer to challenge unethical business models — even quietly, even slowly.

2. Be resource-efficient

• Write software with lower hardware resources requirements for smaller footprint.
• Don’t ship bloated apps that force users into expensive upgrades and e-waste.
• Prefer longevity and maintainability over novelty and churn.

3. Value economical fairness

• Champion fair compensation, fair licensing, and fair access — for users and developers alike.
• Prefer open standards and open source where feasible, and contribute back when you benefit.
• Support alternatives to monopolistic platforms; resist vendor lock-in and exploitative ecosystems.

4. Protect the commons

• Champion digital rights, open knowledge, and public infrastructure.
• Oppose enclosures of public code, data, or communication channels.
• Defend neutrality, freedom of information, and resilience against censorship or monopolistic control.

5. Think of the whole lifecycle

• Design systems that are maintainable, documented, and repairable.
• Avoid planned obsolescence in code and hardware.
• Embrace interoperability and open standards that outlast companies or trends.

6. Promote a fulfilling work

• Advocate for healthy working conditions: no glorification of burnout, crunch time, or toxic heroism
• Respect your own time and that of others. Automate drudgery, not livelihoods
• Encourage fair compensation for all contributors, including community volunteers, testers, and translators